Why NOT Using the Right Desiccants Puts Cargo at Risk

Why NOT Using the Right Desiccants in Shipping Containers Puts Cargo at Risk

By not using the right desiccants during transport and storage, you are putting your cargo at risk. Why? Because most cargo is sensitive to atmospheric conditions and requires specific protection. Although we cannot control the unpredictable changes in weather conditions, we can prepare for adverse scenarios.

It is worth mentioning that many containers and trucks are not temperature controlled. Yet not all cargo can or should be transported in temperature controlled containers or trucks. For some goods it is not necessary. For others, it is just not cost-effective.

So – what protects cargo if temperature regulation is not a necessary or viable option? The answer, in most cases, is desiccants. The next likely question is: Which desiccant bags are right for your goods during transportation in shipping containers?

If you choose and use the wrong desiccant, you run the risk of moisture damage. This can lead to the following moisture-related problems:

● Rot
● Mould
● Mildew
● Corrosion
● Bad odours
● Peeled labels
● Product damage
● Damaged/collapsed packaging

What These Problems Translate To

Mildew, mould and rot can lead to packaging damage and product damage. Food can spoil and materials, for example, certain construction materials, can decay.

Corrosion* and rusting** can occur. The former can occur on different surfaces as well as in materials, while the latter affects iron and its alloys. Consequences can include canned food packaging obtaining surface rust, malfunction of electronics and damage to automobiles, machinery and industrial items.

Peeled labels are a real problem. In addition to aesthetic issues, important product information or warnings may be lost.

Damaged or collapsed packaging of course affects handling and can lead to product damage. Product damage can lead to compromised goods and buyers refusing to pay.

Sometimes excess moisture can simply lead to bad odours, which can be enough to inspire the rejection of a shipment

*the process of deterioration and a type of oxidation
**a part of corrosion, resulting in the formation of a red/orange coating

How to Select the Right Desiccant Type and Quantities

It is essential to select the right type as well as optimum number of desiccant bags for shipping containers.

To determine which container desiccants are right for your cargo and how many of it you need, you need to consider the following:

● The internal environment’s expected temperatures and humidity, affected by external factors
● The duration the products will be in this environment
● The type of packaging the products come in
● The cargo’s sensitivity to moisture
● The transport types
● The transit times

To determine the ideal number of desiccants you need, use our calculator – free software that does a desiccant requirement analysis. The benefit to you:

– Optimum protection for your goods
– Reduced waste of desiccants

Get in touch to discover which desiccants and quantities are right for your cargo.